Which antenna type is most appropriate for outdoor Wi-Fi coverage across a campus quad?

Patch antennas are semi-directional and focus energy in a specific forward direction, making them suitable for point-to-point or sector coverage rather than broad open-area use.

Yagi antennas are highly directional with a narrow beamwidth, designed for long-distance point-to-point links rather than general area coverage.

Omni-directional antennas produce a 360-degree horizontal radiation pattern, making them ideal for covering an open, centrally-mounted deployment like a campus quad where clients may approach from any direction. They provide uniform coverage without requiring precise physical alignment, and a single AP can serve users across the entire surrounding area efficiently.

Dipole antennas are typically used indoors mounted to APs and provide limited range unsuitable for covering large outdoor areas like a campus quad.